DELIVERED  in  BOSTON, 


May  30,  1804, 


BEFORE  THE 

a^assacijusetts  Baptist  e^isstonarp  gwtetp. 


BEING  THEIR  SECOND  ANNIVERSARY. 


- . ■ 

by  THOMAS  BALDWIN,  d.  d. 

MINISTER  OF  TUE  SECOND  BAPTIST  CHURCH  IN  BOSTON. 


PUBLISHED  FOR  THE  BENEFIT  OF  THE  SOCIETY. 


'Boston : 


PRINTED  BY  £.  LINCOLN , WATER-STREET 


Boston,  June  i,  1804. 


At  a Meeting  of  the  Standing  Committee  of  the  Massachusetts 
Baptist  Missionary  Society, 

Voted, 

THAT  the  thanks  of  the  Society  be  prefented  to  the 
Rev.  Dr.  Baldwin,  for  his  Sermon  delivered  before  them  on 
their  fecond  Anniverfary  ; and  requeft  a copy  for  the  prefs. 


SAMUEL  STILLMAN,  Chairman. 


A 


SERMON. 


ACTS  XVI.  9. 

“ COME  OVER  INTO  MACEDONIA  AMD  HELP  US.” 

P OUR  thoufand  years  had  elapfed  before  the 
Chriftian  era,  without  any  real  improvement  in  the 
moral  ft  ate  of  the  world.  Darknefs  ft  ill  covered 
the  earth,  and  grofs  darknefs  the  people.  Idolatry, 
fuperftition,  and  ignorance  reigned  with  unlimited 
fway.  The  knowledge  of  the  true  God  was  loft 
from  a great  part  of  the  world,  and  the  grofleft 
impiety  and  wickednefs  prevailed.  Vice  did  not 
cxift  by  mere  connivance,  but  was  fupported  by 
public  authority,  and  fan&ioncd  by  the  impious 
rites  of  religion. 

Should  thefe  remarks  appear  fevere,  a little  at- 
tention to  the  actual  ftate  of  mankind  at  this  peri- 
od, will  convince  us  that  they  are  juft.  The  laft 
of  the  four  great  empires  mentioned  in  the  proph- 
ecy of  Daniel,  was  now  in  the  full  tide  of  profper- 
ity.  The  Roman  arms  had  been  victorious  in  all 
quarters  of  the  globe.  And  fo  univerfal  was  the 
dominion  of  Augliftus  Caefar,  that  foon  after  the 
birth  of  Chrift  he  fent  out  a decree,  that  all  the 
world  fhould  be  taxed. 

To  know  what  the  religion  of  the  Romans  was, 
we  need  not  labour  through  the  writings  of  Tacitus: 


4 


Six  lines  in  the  firft  chapter  of  the  epiftle  addrefled 
to  them  by  Saint  Paul,  will  furnifh  the  defired  in- 
formation. “ Profefling  themfelves  to  be  wife,  (faid 
the  Apoftlc)  they  became  fools,  and  changed  the 
glory  of  the  uncorruptible  God,  into  an  image  made 
like  to  corruptible  man  ; and  to  birds  ; and  to 
four-footftd  beafts  ; and  creeping  things.”  You 
cannot,  my  brethren,  read  the  fubfequent  part  of 
this  account  without  blufhing  for  the  depravity  of 
our  fpecies.  ' 

The  religion  of  the  Greeks  was  no  better.  This 
we  may  gather  from  the  writings  of  the  fame  Apof- 
tle  ; particularly  from  his  account  of  his  vifit  at 
Athens.  Here,  befides  altars  erected  to  every  God, 
which  either  they  or  their  fathers  had  known, 
there  was  one  ftanding  as  a monument  of  their  fu- 
perftition  and  ignorance,  infcribed  “ to  the  unknown 
God.”  Their  morality,  as  might  be  fuppofed,  was 
as  imperfect,  as  their  notions  of  a Deity  were  ab- 
furd.  Wherever  polytheifm  was  profeffed,  idolatry 
wras  practifed.  Without  multiplying  proofs,  thefe 
may  be  conftdered  as  a general  fpecimen  of  Gentile 
religion. 

The  Jews,  it  will  be  confeffed,  enjoyed  fuperior 
advantages.  To  them  were  committed  the  lively 
Oracles  of  God.  But  they  had  greatly  obfcured 
the  glory  of  their  holy  religion  by  the  impure 
mixture  of  their  own  traditions.  They  retained 
the  external  form,  but  had  loft;  in  a great  degree  its 
fpirituality.  The  ftate  of  religion  among  them  is 
very  accurately  deferibed  by  the  writer  above 
quoted.  “ Behold,  (faid  Paul)  thou  art  called  a 
Jew,  and  refteft  in  the  law,  and  makeft  thy  boaft  of 


5 


God,  and  knoweft  his  will,  and  approved  the  things 
that  are  more  excellent,  being  inftructcd  out  of  the 
law.”  But  what  improvement  did  they  make  of 
thefc  advantages  ? The  Apoftle  alks,  “ thou  that 
makeft  thy  boaft  of  the  law,  through  breaking  the 
law  difhonoureft  thou  God  ? for  the  name  of  God 
is  blafphemed  among  the  Gentiles  through  you.”* 
Thus  we  fee  Jews  and  Gentiles  nearly  on  a level  as 
to  the  practice  of  religion. 

The  times  which  immediately  preceded  the  dawn 
of  gofpel  day,  were  emphatically  ftyled  by  the  Apof- 
tle “ times  of  ignorance .”  But  while  the  nations 

were  thus  fitting  in  darknefs  and  the  region  of  the 
fhadow  of  death,  the  day-Jlar  arofe,  as  the  happy  pre- 
curfor  of  the  Sun  of  Righteoufnefs.  John  the  Bap- 
tift  appeared,  to  give  knowledge  of  falvation  by 
the  remillion  of  fins.  He  announced  the  near  ap- 
proach of  his  divine  Mafter  ; and  declared  that  he 
was  fent  to  prepare  his  way.  “ Every  mountain  and 
hill,  (faid  he)  muft  be  made  low,  and  every  valley 
exalted.  The  crooked  places  muft  be  made  ftraight, 
and  the  rough  places  plain  ; for  the  glory  of  the 
Lord  fhall  foon  appear.”  At  length  the  wondrous 
Child  was  born.  Angels  announced  the  joyful  ad- 
vent to  the  eaftern  Shepherds.  “ Behold,  (faid  they) 
we  bring  you  glad  tidings  of  great  joy,  which  (hall 
be  to  all  people.”  While  a flumbering  world  lay 
repofed  in  midnight  filence,  the  mu  lie  of  heaven 
fwelled  upon  their  delighted  ears,  and  echoed  along 
the  fpacious  plains  of  Bethlehem.  What  ftrains 
immortal  burft  from  angelic  tongues  ! “ Glory  to 
God  in  the  higheft ! and  on  earth  peace  ! good  will 
towards  men.” 

* Rom.  ii.  17,  18,  23,  24. 


6 


For  wife  and  holy  purpofes,  the  gofpel  for  a time 
was  publifhed  to  the  Jews  only.  And  the  difciples 
were  directed  firft  to  preach  to  none  but  the  loft 
fheep  of  the  houfe  of  Ifrael.  But  our  bleffed  Lord, 
before  his  afcenlion,  enlarged  their  commiflion,  and 
bid  them  go  into  all  the  world,  and  preach  the  gof- 
pel to  every  creature. 

Upon  the  authority  of  this  commiflion,  the  Apof- 
tles  itinerated  throughout  Judea,  Samaria,  and  Sy- 
ria. While  the  greater  part  of  them  were  engaged 
in  Paleftine,  Paul  and  his  companions  were  fent  on 
a million  into  Alia  Minor.  Taking  paffage  at  Se- 
lucia,  they  came  to  Salamis  in  the  ifland  of  Cyprus. 
Here  they  preached  the  word  of  God  in  all  the  fyn- 
agogues  of  the  Jews.  From  Salamis,  they  went 
through  the  ifle  to  Paphos,  where  Paul  was  made 
happily  inftrumental  of  the  converfion  of  Sergius 
Paulus,  the  deputy  of  the  country.  From  the  laft 
mentioned  place  they  took  paffage  for  Perga  in 
Pamphilia.  Having  reached  the  place  of  their  def- 
tination,  they  went  on  publilhing  the  gofpel 
throughout  the  regions  of  Phrygia  and  Galatia. 
They  intended  next  to  have  vilited  Bithynia,  but 
the  Spirit  led  them  another  way.  Therefore  pall- 
ing Myfiia,  they  came  down  to-  Troas,  which  lay 
upon  the  eaftern  border  of  the  Aegean  fea.  While 
Paul  and  his  company  tarried  here,  “ a vilion  ap- 
peared to  him  in  the  night  : there  flood  a man  of 
Macedonia,  and  prayed  him,  faying,  “ Come  over 
into  Macedonia  and  help  us.” 

Important  requell  ! Was  it  pofiible  to  turn  a deaf 
ear  to  fuch  a prefling  invitation  ? Could  this  holy 
Apoftle  or  his  companions  refufe  to  go  ? Surely 


7 


they  could  not.  And  is  not  the  voice  of  thoufands 
of  our  fellow  creatures  fcattered  in  the  wildernefs 
crying  to  us,  “ Come  over  and  help  us  ?”  Can 
any  prefent  refufe  their  afliftance,  when  the  object 
is  to  promote  the  falvation  of  immortal  fouls  ? If 
you  cannot  go  in  perfon,  will  you  not  contribute 
fomething  to  aflift  thofe  who  can  ? A fingle  doubt 
fhall  not  be  entertained  on  the  fubject.  No,  I am 
perfuaded  you  already  feel  the  Miflionary  fpirit  ; 
and  wait  only  to  have  your  views  directed  to  pro- 
per objects,  and  your  afliftance  will  be  liberally 
granted. 

From  the  fubjeft,  thus  placed  before  us,  we  are  led 
to  make  the  following  inquiries. 

I.  What  were  the  peculiar  circumftances  of  this 
people,  which  called  for  help  from  the  minifters  of 
Chrift  ? 

II.  Are  there  any  of  our  fellow  beings  at  the 
prefent  day,  whofe  circumftances  urge  a ftmilar 
claim  upon  us  ? 

III.  What  meafures  ought  we  to  purfue  in  order 
to  afford  them  the  help  which  they  need  ? 

We  proceed  then  to  inquire,  what  were  the  pe- 
culiar circumftances  of  the  people  of  Macedonia, 
which  called  for  Paul  and  his  companions  to  come 
and  help  them.  We  anfwer, 

i ft.  They  were  immerfed  in  the  groffeft  ignorance, 
and  lived  without  God  and  without  hope  in  the 
world.  The  exiftence  of  a Supreme  Being  has  fre- 
quently been  acknowledged  by  idolaters.  But  after 
all  it  muft  be  confeffed,  that  the  world  by  wifdom  knew 
not  God.  If  they  acknowledged  that  there  was  aGod, 
yet  their  conceptions  of  him  were  utterly  unworthy 


8 


the  S upreme  Ruler  of  the  uni verfe.  They  generally 
fuppofed  him  fo  far  removed  from  his  creatures,  as 
to  take  no  concern  in  the  affairs  of  men  ; but  that 
he  had  committed  the  management  of  every  thing 
here,  to  an  endlefs  number  of  fubordinate  deities. 
Many  of  thefe  were,  by  their  own  confeflion,  guil- 
ty of  crimes  which  would  have  difgraced  human 
nature  in  its  moft  depraved  condition.  To  thefe 
gods,  they  offered  their  facrifices,  and  poured  their 
libations  upon  their  altars.  How  wretched  muft 
the  ftate  of  fuch  a people  be,  who  had  loft  the 
knowledge  of  the  true  God  ! Their  affecting  condi- 
tion cried  aloud,  “ Come  over  and  help  us.” 

2.  They  were  without  the  appointed  means  of 
falvation. 

They  undoubtedly  felt,  as  mankind  in  every  age 
have  done,  a confcioufnefs  of  guilt,  but  knew  not 
the  way  of  peace  and  pardon.  The  glad  found  of 
the  gofpel  had  never  yet  reached  their  ears.  They 
knew  not  how  God  could  be  juft,  and  juftify  the 
ungodly. 

To  be  fenfible  of  our  fttuation  as  finners  ; to  be 
confcious  of  our  future  accountability  at  a juft  tri- 
bunal ; to  believe  the  dpdtrine  of  immortality  ; and 
yet  remain  ignorant  of  the  only  way  in  which  par- 
don can  be  conferred  upon  the  penitent,  mull  be 
diftreffing  in  the  extreme. 

This  people,  though  fitting  in  the  fhades  of  hea- 
thenifh  darknefs,  might  have  heard  by  the  Jews 
who  were  difperfed  among  them  of  the  expedted 
Meflias.  Yea,  it  is  poflible  they  might  have  heard 
that  he  had  adlually  come.  For  his  fame  (we  are 
told)  went  abroad  into  all  lands.  But  if  the  name 


9 


of  Jefus  had  ever  reached  their  ears,  it  is  probable 
they  had  no  correct  notions,  either  of  his  character 
or  offices.  There  were  many  whofe  prejudices 
would  reprefent  his  religion  as  impofture,  and 
that  himfelf  had  been  arrefted  in  Judea,  and  crucifi- 
ed as  a malefactor.  But  fhould  it  even  be  fuppofect 
that  their  minds  were  favourably  difpofed,  and 
that  they  were  fincerely  defirous  to  know  the  truth, 
yet  ftill  they  had  none  to  inftrudt  them  in  the  way 
which  leads  to  peace. 

3.  They  needed  fome  perfons  properly  qualified 
to  teach  them  the  way  'of  falvation  by  the  crofs  of 
Chrift. 

We  are  told  by  an  apoflle,  that  “ faith  comes 
by  hearing,  and  hearing  by  the  word  of  God. 
But  how  {hall  they  hear  without  a preacher  ? and 
how  fhall  they  preach  except  they  are  font  ?”  The 
preaching  of  the  gofpel  is  not  only  calculated  to 
comfort  fuch  as  mourn  under  a fenfe  of  fin,  but  to 
awaken  the  thoughtlefs  and  unconcerned.  There 
is  in  mankind  a ftrange  indifpofition  to  the  con- 
cerns of  the  foul.  Religion  is  a bufinefs  which 
they  wifli  to  put  off  till  a more  convenient  feafon. 
The  world  calls  to-day,  therefore  heaven  is  defired 
to  call  to-morrow.  To  awaken  men  from  this  aw- 
ful ftupor  into  which  fin  has  plunged  them,  the 
minifters  of  Chrift  are  lent  like  fons  of  thunder,  to 
alarm  them  of  their  danger,  and  inftruct  them  how 
they  may  efcape  the  w’rath  to  come. 

With  a view  to  the  reftoration  of  loft  finners, 
God  has  been  gracioufly  pleafed  to  appoint  the 
miniftry  of  reconciliation.  And  although  the  moft 
B 


IO 


faithful  and  zealous  preachers  of  the  gofpel  can  do 
nothing  of  themfelves  towards  the  converfion  of 
their  fellow-men;  yet  Chrift  has  promifed,  and 
does  actually  fend  the  Holy  Spirit  to  fucceed,  and 
render  effe&ual  their  feeble  efforts.  Armed  with 
this  divine  influence,  the  weapons  of  their  warfare 
become  mighty  through  God  to  the  pulling  down 
the  ftrong  holds  of  fin. 

It  would  be  prefumption  in  us,  to  attempt  to 
limit  the  Holy  One  of  Ifrael.  We  know  that  God 
can  work  by  means  or  without  them.  He  can 
communicate  his  grace  to  the  hearts  of  finners 
without  their  hearing  the  gofpel  difpenfed  ; yet  it 
hath  pleafed  him,  “ by  the  fooliflinefs  of  preaching 
to  fave  them  that  believe.” 

It  is  impoflible,  perhaps,  for  us  fully  to  appreciate 
the  privileges  we  enjoy  ; nor  can  we  realize  the 
pitiable  condition  of  thofe  who  are  deflitute  of  re- 
ligious inftruclion.  “ Where  there  is  no  vifion,  the 
people  perifh.”  “ They  are  deflroyed  for  the  lack 
of  knowledge.”  It  is  but  too  evident,  that  where 
the  gofpel  is  ftatedly  preached,  many  fet  lightly  by 
and  defpife  it.  But  others,  lefs  privileged,  when 
they  have  opportunity  to  fee  and  hear  a faithful  min- 
ifter,  exclaim  with  rapture,  “ How  beautiful  on  the 
mountains  are  the  feet  of  him  that  bringcth  good 
tidings,  that  publifheth  peace,  that  fayeth  unto  Zi- 
on, Behold  thy  God !” 

4.  This  people  were  alfo  ftrangers  to  all  the  ben- 
efits derived  from  communion  in  Chriflian  ordi- 
nances. 

God  hath  appointed  thefe  as  means  of  promoting 
our  communion  with  him,  and  fellowfhip  one  with 


another.  Where  the  ordinances  of  the  gofpel  are 
adminiftered  according  to  divine  appointment,  they 
form  a vifible  diftinction  between  the  church  and 
the  world.  They  were  defigned  exclufively  for  the 
friends  of  Chrift.  None  elfe  can  receive  them 
with  pleafurc,  or  faving  advantage.  Next  to  the 
gofpel  itfelf,  the  believer  prizes  its  precious  inftitu- 
tions.  How  does  his  foul  languifli  after  them,  if  by 
any  means  he  is  deprived  of  their  enjoyment ! 
Like  David,  he  pants  with  immortal  delire  after 
God,  and  longs  to  meet  him  in  his  temple,  in  ways 
of  his  own  appointment.  Could  any  worldly  con- 
liderations  induce  you,  my  brethren,  to  refign  fucli 
privileges  as  thefe  ? Could  you  be  perfuaded  to  bar- 
ter them  for  any  thing  earthly  ? Certainly  you 
could  not.  Who  then  that  knows  the  value  of 
thefe  precious  ordinances,  does  not  wifh  his  fellow- 
men  to  participate  in  their  bleffings  ? 

We  add  once  more, 

5.  They  had  no  well-grounded  hope  of  future 
immortality. 

From  the  darknefs  and  confufion  which  relied 
upon  their  future  profpects,  they  were  driven  to 
feek  repofe  in  the  (hades  of  eternal  oblivion.  Stran- 
gers to  the  heaven-infpiring  hope  of  the  gofpel, 
they  had  nothing  folid  on  which  they  could  reft  in 
the  dying  hour.  If  they  doubted  of  future  exift- 
ence,  then  the  wide  gulph  of  annihilation  yawned 
before  them ! If  they  believed  the  doctrine  of  im- 
mortality, what  extreme  anxiety  mull  fill  the  mind 
at  the  moment  of  dilfolution ! See  the  poor  foul 
on  the  verge  of  time,  without  chart ! without  com- 
pafs  ! without  any  knowledge  of  its  port  of  defti- 


12 


nation  1 without  a pilot ! juft  ready  to  launch  into 
the  wide  ocean  of  eternity.  Oh  gloomy  profpect  ! 
Who  that  ever  knew  the  foft  emotions  of  pity 
could  refufe  to  help  fuch  benighted  beings  ? Who 
that  feels  the  zeal  of  an  Apoftle  would  not  willing- 
ly go  and  preach  the  gofpel  to  them  ? 

We  pafs  to  inquire, 

II.  Are  there  any  of  our  fellow  beings  at  the  pre- 
fent  day,  whofe  circumftances  urge  a fimilar  claim 
upon  us  ? 

After  the  lapfe  of  eighteen  centuries,  I wifh  it 
could  be  faid  in  truth,  that  more  than  half  of  the 
inhabitants  of  the  world  were  not  ftill  pagans.  Do 
you  afk  where  they  are  to  be  found  ? The  anfwer 
will  be,  in  every  quarter  of  the  globe.  In  Alia,  in 
Africa,  in  Europe,  in  America. 

Are  there  not  unnumbered  millions  inhabiting 
the  eaftern  continent,  whofe  ears  were  never  yet 
faluted  with  the  glad  found  of  falvation  by  the 
crofs ! In  vain  does  the  troubled  confcience 
feek  relief  by  confulting  their  Vedum  or  Spajiers.  In 
vain  do  they  implore  the  afliftance  of  Bramah  and 
foe  ! thefe  are  gods  which  cannot  fave.  In  vain  do 
they  repeat  their  ablutions  in  the  Ganges  ; thefe  fa- 
cred  waters  (as  they  term  them)  cannot  wafh  away 
the  leprofy  of  fin.  Its  ftains  are  of  a moral  nature, 
and  lie  chiefly  upon  the  heart.  Elence  their  faireft 
hopes  have  nothing  to  reft  upon  but  delufion  ! 

The  wretched  condition  of  the  poor  Hindoos 
has  called  up  the  feelings  of  our  brethren  on  the 
other  fide  of  the  Atlantic,  who  feemed  to  hear  them 
cry,  “ Come  over  and  help  us.”  The  attempt  has 
been  made  and  ftill  continues,  with  an  increafing 


profpctt  of  fuccefs.  Wc  will  pray  without  ceafing 
for  their  profperity. 

The  interior  parts  of  Africa  arc  enveloped  in  the 
fame  moral  darknefs.  Pagan  idolatry,  with  a mix- 
ture of  Mahomcdan  impofture,  fpreads  over  thefe 
burning  regions,  from  the  tropic  of  Cancer,  to  the 
Cape  of  Good  Hope.  A number  of  Miffionaries, 
however,  are  endeavouring  to  fpread  the  light  of 
the  gofpel  among  them.  May  the  blefling  of  thou- 
fands  ready  to  perilh  come  upon  them. 

A cry  for  help  has  alfo  been  heard  from  afar, 
even  from  the  illands  of  the  fea.  I he  Soulh-fea 
iflands  are  found  to  contain  an  immenfe  population  ; 
millions  of  human  beings,  whofe  fouls  are  as  fufeep- 
tible  of  the  pains  of  guilt,  or  the  joys  of  falvation, 
as  ours.  Though  formed  by  the  fame  divine  fkill, 
and  governed  by  the  fame  univerfal  Providence, 
they  remain  ignorant  of  the  firft  principles  of  relig- 
ion. Their  perifhing  condition  has  excited  the 
compaffion  of  fome  of  the  friends  of  Jefus  in  the 
Britilh  Ifle,  who  have  fent  a number  of  Million aries 
to  teach  them  the  knowledge  of  falvation  by  Chrift. 
Our  hearts  exclaim,  “ The  Lord  reigneth,  let  the 
earth  rejoice,  let  the  multitude  of  the  ifles  be  glad.” 

Without  exploring  the  gloomy  wilds  of  Lapland, 
cr  the  frozen  regions  bordering  upon  the  pole, 
where  man  is  ftill  to  be  found  in  his  lavage  Hate, 
and  his  mind  bewildered  in  all  the  darknefs  of  pa- 
gan fuperftition,  let  us  direct  our  thoughts  to 
thofe  who  inhabit  our  weftern  forefts.  Here  are 
multitudes  of  our  red  brethren,  who  live  in  the  ve- 
ry neighbourhood  of  profelling  Chriftians,  and  yet 
after  the  lapfe  of  almoft  two  centuries  are  ftill  Pa- 


14 


gans  ! Has  our  example  been  fuch  as  to  convince 
them  that  our  religion  is  fuperior  to  theirs  ? Or 
has  it  rather  ferved  to  confirm  them  in  their  igno- 
rance and  unbelief?  Have  any  fuitable  attempts 
been  made  to  enlighten  and  chriftianize  them  ? Or 
have  we  beheld  their  favage  ignorance  with  a cold 
unfeeling  difdain  ? Surely  an  entire  indifference  to 
the  eternal  well-being  of  any  of  our  fellow-crea- 
tures very  little  becomes  the  benevolent  fpirit  of 
the  gofpel.  While  we  blame  our  paft  negledt,  we 
are  happy  to  find  that  fome  of  our  fellow  Chrif- 
tians  are  ftirred  up,  to  make  new  exertions  for 
their  converfion.  May  the  bleffing  of  Almighty 
God  crown  their  labours  with  abundant  fuccefs. 

But  an  object,  more  immediately  contemplated 
by  this  fociety,  was  to  fupply  occafional  preaching 
in  the  infant  fettlements  in  our  own  country.  Here 
is  ample  room  for  miflionary  labour  without  going 
among  the  Aborigines. 

What  an  immenfe  extent  opens  from  the  St. 
Croix  to  the  Miffifippi ! On  the  frontiers  of  moft 
of  this  wide  range,  the  inhabitants  are  too  thinly 
fettled  to  enjoy  the  ufual  privileges  of  Chriftian  fo- 
ciety. Years  muft  pafs  away  in  many  places,  be- 
fore they  will  be  fufficiently  numerous,  to  afford 
an  expe&ation  of  having  a ftatcd  miniflry  among 
them. 

We  are  far  from  looking  upon  our  brethren, 
who  are  fcattered  in  the  wildernefs,  either  as  pa- 
gans or  idolaters.  We  rejoice  to  think  there  are 
many  fincere  Chrif^ians  interfperfed  among  them. 
And  if  fo,  how  muft  their  fouls  languifli  for  the  re- 
frefhing  waters  of  the  fan&uary ! Will  not  their 


1 s 


thoughts  run  back  to  days  paft,  wlien  they  went  in 
company  with  their  friends  to  the  houfe  of  God  ; 
when  they  fat  under  his  fhadow  with  delight,  and 
his  fruit  was  fweet  to  their  tafte  ? May  we  not  fup- 
pofe  them  often  pleading  with  God,  that  he  would 
fend  fome  of  his  dear  fervants  to  help  them  ? To 
preach  the  unfearchable  riches  of  Clirift,  and  break 
to  them  the  bread  of  life  ? Perhaps  others  in  the 
language  of  difcouragement  are  ready  to  fay, 
“ Can  God  furnifh  a table  in  the  wildernefs  ?”  Yes, 
mourning  Chriftian,  he  that  led  Jofeph  as  a flock, 
will  take  care  of  his  own,  though  fcattered  in  a def- 
crt.  He  will  yet  open  “ rivers  in  high  places,”  and 
caufe  the  wildernefs  to  bloffom  as  the  rofe,  and  the 
folitary  place  to  rejoice  with  flnging. 

In  fome  inftances  which  have  already  occurred 
to  our  knowledge,  it  has  been  found  that  children 
have  been  born,  and  grown  almoft  to  manhood, 
without  ever  having  heard  the  gofpel ; and  fome 
without  having  feen  a Bible  !*  But  fhould  it  be  ad- 
mitted that  they  enjoy  the  Bible,  do  they  not,  like 
the  Ethiopian  Eunuch,  need  fome  man  to  guide  them  ? 
In  a word ; does  not  the  fituation  of  thoufands  in 
the  wildernefs  cry,  Come  over  and  help  us  ? 

The  kind  reception  which  our  Millionaries  have 
experienced,  wherever  they  have  travelled,  is  a 
ftrong  plea  in  favour  of  further  exertions.  The 
people,  to  whom  they  have  been  fent,  have  received 
them  with  all  readinefs  of  mind  ; and  many  with  tears 
in  their  eyes  have  been  conftrained  to  fay,  “ Thefe 
are  the  fervants  of  the  moll  high  God,  who  fhow 
unto  us  the  way  of  falvation.”  Their  joy  on  having 

* See  Mr.  Cornell’s  Letter  in  rft  Number  of  our  Magazine, 


1 6 


the  gofpel  thus  fent  to  them,  has  called  forth  undif- 
fembled  expreffions  of  gratitude  and  praife  to  God, 
as  well  as  fincere  thanks  to  the  MilTionaries,  and  to 
the  Society  at  whofe  expenfe  they  are  fent. 

Did  the  people  appear  indifferent  and  inattentive 
to  the  gofpel,  when  fent  among  them,  or  fhould 
they  go  Hill  farther,  and  oppofe  them  that  were 
fent,  it  would  be  difcouraging ; yet  I am  not  cer- 
tain it  would  even  then  be  duty  to  relinquifh  the 
defign.  But  when,  inftead  of  this,  we  reflect  on 
the  great  diftance  which  many  travel,  the  many 
difficulties  they  cheerfully  encounter  in  affembling 
to  hear  the  gofpel ; and  above  all,  the  folemn  and 
affecting  attention  with  which  the  word  is  received, 
can  we  hefitate  a moment  whether  there  is  not  a 
Macedonian  call  to  help  them  ? 

'We  proceed  to  inquire, 

III.  What  meafures  ought  we  to  purfue,  in  or- 
der to  afford  them  the  help  which  they  need  ? 

i.  We  prefume  it  will  not  be  doubted,  but  that 
we  ought  to  fend  fome  of  our  brethren  in  the  min- 
iftry  to  preach  the  gofpel  to  them. 

There  are  fome  who  can  go,  and  whofe  hearts 
incline  them  to  undertake  the  fervice.  But  none  , 
in  my  opinion  ought  to  be  fent,  but  fuch  as  are 
poffeffed  of  the  true  apoftolic  miffionary  fpirit  f 
men  whofe  hearts  are  in  the  work ; who  are  will- 
ing to  preach  not  only  publicly,  but  from  houic 
to  houfe  ; whofe  ardent  love  to  Chrift  and  to  the 
fouls  of  men,  will  carry  them  through  the  difficul- 
ties and  fatigues  attendant  on  fervices  of  this  na- 
ture. To  travel  in  the  new  fcttlcments,  a Miffion- 
ary muff  be  able  and  willing  to  endure  bardnefs  as  a 


good J'oldicr  of  Jefus  Cbfift.  He  will  often  have  to 
encounter  ftorms,  cold  and  hunger.  He  mull  be 
willing  to  fare  hard,  fleep  little,  and  labour  incef- 
fantly.  Thefe  are  the  men  we  ought  to  fend.  No 
others  can  confidently  be  employed ; for  it  was 
never  contemplated  by  this  inftitution,  to  make 
provifion  for  a lift  of  invalid  penfioners  ; but  to 
employ  men  of  evangelic  fentiments  and  approv- 
ed integrity  j fuch  as  are  willing  to  fpend  and  be 
fpent,  for  the  good  of  fouls. 

2.  If  we  fend  men  on  this  laborious,  felf-dcny- 
ing  fervice,  they  muft  be  fupported.  We  cannot 
expeft  them  to  go  upon  this  warfare  at  their  own 
charges.  Nor  can  the  people  to  whom  they  minif- 
ter  do  much  for  them  : for  it  is  a primary  object 
with  this  Society,  to  fend  the  gofpel  to  fuch  as  are 
unable  to  provide  preaching  for  themfelves. 

To  defray  thefe  expenfes,  therefore,  funds  muft 
be  raifed.  The  method  which  we  have  thought 
proper  to  adopt  for  this  purpofe  is  an  annual  fub- 
feription  by  the  members,  and  voluntary  contri- 
butions from  fuch  as  are  well-wifhers  to  the  infti- 
tution. And  we  feel  bound  this  evening  to  ac- 
knowledge the  goodnefs  of  God  in  hitherto  fuc- 
ceeding  our  feeble  attempts,  far  beyond  our  moft 
raifed  expectations. 

Though  our  inftitution  is  yet  in  its  infancy, 
four  Miflionaries  have  been  engaged  in  the  fervice 
of  the  Society  much  of  the  laft  year.  One  has 
been  employed  on  the  frontiers  of  the  ftate  of 
New-York,  and  in  the  Britifti  province  of  Upper 
Canada.  The  other  three  have  vifited  and  preach- 
ed in  the  new  fettlements  in  the  Diftrict  of  Maine  ; 
and  in  the  northwefterly  parts  of  New-Hampfhire, 


IS 


and  parts  of  Vermont  contiguous.  By  accounts 
which  have  been  tranfmitted  to  the  Society,  we 
have  reafon  to  believe,  that  their  labours  have  not 
been  in  vain  in  the  Lord.  We  have  much  to  encour- 
age us  to  perfeverance.  The  miflionary  fields  are 
whitening  to  the  harveft,  and  the  faithful  labour- 
ers are  yet  but  few.  While  we  ceafe  not  to  pray 
the  Lord  of  the  harveft  to  fend  forth  more  labour- 
ers into  his  vineyard,  let  us  faithfully  employ  all 
the  means  in  our  power  to  accelerate  the  fame 
good  work. 

It  gives  us  much  pleafure  to  acknowledge  before 
this  refpeclable  audience,  the  generous  patronage 
afforded  to  this  Society  by  Chriftians  of  different 
denominations,  both  by  public  and  private  dona- 
tions. With  a view  to  encourage  the  good  work 
in  which  we  are  engaged,  feveral  perfons  unknown 
to  us,  and  others  whofe  names  we  are  not  at  liber- 
ty to  mention,  have  contributed  to  our  funds  with 
a liberality  which  ought  not  to  be  concealed.  Be- 
fides  the  collection  which  was  made  at  our  laft 
annual  meeting,  amounting  to  dolls.  147;  a worthy 
friend  in  a neighbouring  town  has  contributed 
at  different  times  to  the  amount  of  dolls.  150. 
A donation  of  40  dollars,  in  addition  to  his  annual 
fubfcription,  has  alfo  been  received  from  a pious 
young  gentleman  in  this  town.  From  two  female 
focieties  in  this  place,  compofed  chiefly  of  young 
women,  132  dolls.  §4  cts.  have  alfo  been  received. 
One  of  thefe  focieties  is  called  the  Cent  Society ; 
that  fum  being  the  weekly  fubfcription  of  each 
member.  A refpeclable  gentleman  belonging  to 
the  town  of  Milton,  who  happened  not  long  fince 
to  hear  one  of  our  Miflionarics  deliver  a difeourfe, 


1 9 


in  which  the  deftitute  fituation  of  thofe  who  inhab- 
it the  wilderncfs  was  deferibed ; his  feelings  be- 
came fo  interefted  that  he  refolved  while  hearing 
the  fermon,  that  whatever  money  fhould  be  col- 
lected for  him  on  that  day  he  would  appropriate 
to  the  ufeof  the  Society.  On  his  return,  he  found 
that  thirty  dollars  had  been  collected  : the  whole 
of  which  he  facredly  devoted  according  to  his 
previous  determination.*  Several  other  generous 
donations,  though  of  lefs  amount,  have  been  re- 
ceived, chiefly  from  female  friends.  I muft  beg 
your  indulgence  while  I mention  one  inftance  more. 
Its  interefting  nature  will  apologize  for  my  being 
particular.  A young  lady  of  the  town  of  Medficld 
lately  addrefled  a letter  to  the  Truftees  of  this  In- 
flitution,  in  which,  after  acknowledging  the  good- 
nefs  of  God  to  her,  efpecially  in  bringing  her  to 
truft  in  the  Lord  Jefus  Chrift  for  eternal  life,  fhe 
adds,  “ having  now  a defire  to  live  to  the  glory  of 
God,  and  to  do  all  the  good  I can  on  earth,  I there- 
fore take  a pleafure  in  laying  afide  fome  of  my 
fmall  earnings  to  fend  to  you,  for  the  noble  pur- 
pofe  of  afiifting  in  defraying  the  charges  of  fending 
fome  of  our  brethren  as  miflionaries,  to  preach  the 
gol'pcl  to  poor  finners,  who  are  perilhing  for  lack 
of  knowledge.  I rejoice  that  my  hands,  as  well  as 
my  heart,  may  do  fomething  to  help  build  up  the 
Redeemer’s  kingdom.”  The  letter  enclofea  a bill 
of  ten  dollars  ! Whofe  heart  does  not  warm  at 
the  recital  of  fuch  godlike  charity  ? Who  does  not 
wifli  the  pleafure  of  imitating  fuch  an  example  ? — 
Well, — “ go  thou  and  do  likewife.” 

* This  article  was  omitted,  through  miftake,  when  this  dif- 
courfe  was  delivered. 


20 


Thus,  my  hearers,  agreeably  to  what  was  propof- 
ed,  I have  endeavoured  to  explain  the  fituation  of 
the  people  of  Macedonia,  which  called  for  help  from 
the  apoftles.  I have  alfo  given  you  a brief  fketch 
of  the  (late  of  our  fellow-men  at  the  prefent  day, 
who  are  denied  the  bleflings  of  the  gofpel.  Per- 
mit me  now  to  afk,  Does  not  their  deftitute  condi- 
tion cry  to  you  this  evening,  “ Come  over  and 
help  us  ?” 

An  attempt  to  adduce  arguments  in  order  to 
draw  forth  your  charity,  would  be  to  infult  your 
feelings ; for  I am  perfuadcd  you  only  wait  for  an 
opportunity  to  fhow  your  readinefs  to  help  in  fend- 
ing the  gofpel  to  your  brethren  fcattered  in  the 
wildernefs.  You  will  be  indulged  on  the  prefent 
occafion  the  pleafure  of  exprefling  your  benevo- 
lence, in  a way  which  we  hope  will  tend  to  the 
glory  of  God,  and  the  happinefs  of  your  fellow- 
men.  Could  you  entertain  the  pleafing  thought, 
that  what  you  contribute  this  evening  may  be  a 
mean  of  fending  the  gofpel  to  fome  perilhing  foul, 
who  otherwifc  perhaps  would  never  hear  it,  and 
who,  under  a divine  influence,  may  be  brought  to 
believe  on  the  Lord  Jefus  Chriff,  and  fo  be  eternal- 
ly happy,  you  would  forever  blefs  God  for  afford- 
ing you  this  opportunity.  I will  only  add,  for 
your  encouragement,  the  gracious  declaration  of 
our  Saviour  ; “ In  as  much  as  you  did  it  unto  one 
of  the  leaft  of  tliefe  my  brethren,  ye  did  it  unto 
me.”  That  this  approving  language  may  be  ad- 
dreffed  to  each  of  us,  by  our  final  Judge  at  the  laft 
great  day,  grant,  O Father,  for  the  Redeemer’s  fake. 


AMEN. 


